|
Details |
| Type |
Transient Luminous Event (TLE) |
| Appearance |
Reddish-orange flashes, often in clusters, with shapes resembling tendrils, jellyfish, or carrots |
| Altitude |
Typically occur at altitudes between 50 to 90 kilometers (31 to 56 miles) |
| Duration |
Extremely brief, lasting only a few milliseconds |
| First Documented |
First photographed in 1989, though pilots had reported sightings for decades |
| Formation |
Triggered by positive lightning discharges from thunderclouds to the ionosphere |
| Color Explanation |
Red coloration due to the excitation of nitrogen molecules; lower parts can appear blue |
| Observation Challenges |
Ephemeral nature and often obscured by thunderclouds; typically observed from aircraft or high-altitude platforms |
| Scientific Significance |
Provides insights into electrical and chemical processes in the upper atmosphere |
| Related Phenomena |
Part of a group that includes blue jets and elves, all linked to thunderstorm activity |
| Research Importance |
Investigated for understanding the Earth’s electromagnetic environment and atmospheric electrical balance |
